GPs top for contraception advice

The majority of women would visit their GP for advice on contraception, a new survey has found.

Researchers polled 100 British women and their GPs in June this year and found that nearly 60 per cent of women regarded their GP as their first port of call for information and advice on contraception.

More than half of the women polled also revealed that their original choice of contraception was recommended by their doctor.

Dr Anne Szarewski, associate specialist in family planning at the Margaret Pyke Centre, said that GPs play a "key role" in ensuring women understand their contraception.

"Women are relying on healthcare professionals to help them choose the best method to suit their lifestyle at that time, and therefore avoid unplanned pregnancy," she pointed out.

"By being equipped with up-to-date information, healthcare professionals can ensure they are providing the best possible information."

According to a study published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care in 2006, around half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned and one fifth end in abortion, even though more than 70 per cent of 16 to 49-year-olds use contraception.